Sweet! Laura Balombini's polymer art took "best of show" in our big summer arts festival. Laura was modestly explaining to me her very zen-like response to those who copy her work when the prize police came up with a ribbon and $2,000. Karma? Or the just reward for really fine work?
Amist all the potters, painters and jewelers, it's nice to see one of our fellow polymer artists receive this outstanding recognition.
Laura says she freshens her web site with new photos after every major show so visit frequently.
And speaking of the ethics of copying, have you read about Dale Chihuly's hard-edged legal fight in federal court over the distinctiveness of his creations and, more fundamentally, who owns artistic expression in the glass art world. It'll be an interesting story to follow.
Melanie West ,
Congratulations to Laura, from a fellow Mainer. She deserves every penny!
Now, about Dale Chihuly… I’m very interested in how this case will turn out too. I wish the artlcle showed some of both artist’s work – I’d like to see what Mr. Chihuly considers copying. Where’s the line between influence and copying?
-Melanie (aka CorvusFlies on the PCC fourm)
Maggie Maggio ,
I walked into a gallery in Pa a few months ago and found some hanging glass “tentacle” pieces that looked just like Chihuly’s except the colors were not as vibrant and the cost was nowhere near as high. When I asked about them – the owners said they were made by a local glass shop. Hmmmm . . . I don’t care what the lawyers say, I call that copying.